HC Deb 22 July 1965 vol 716 cc1817-8
14. Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is aware of the concern of housewives at the continuous rise of meat prices; and if he will refer this problem to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

21. Mr. Wallace

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will arrange for an investigation of meat prices by the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. George Brown

I entirely share my hon. Friend's concern at the level of meat prices. As he may know, in the yast year it is mainly beef prices that have gone up. But I do not think a reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes would be helpful, because the current level of prices is largely determined by world supply and demand. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food informed the House on 7th July, we hope to announce shortly the Government's proposals for a meat and livestock commission.

Mr. Lewis

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the question of excessive meat prices was rampant even under the previous Administration? Will he give an undertaking to protect the housewife today?

Mr. Brown

That is our main concern, and I think that when the Government's proposals for a meat and livestock commission are before the House my hon. Friend will see what we are doing to try to secure this.

Mr. Wallace

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in a period of shortage considerable speculation has been and is taking place, particularly in this trade, and that most of the speculators, apart from taking a profit margin, render no useful service in distribution to the housewife?

Mr. Brown

I take note of my hon. Friend's view. Probably it would be better if I did not comment further on it.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Has there been an increase in the export of live and dead cattle to the Continent?

Mr. Brown

I cannot answer that without notice.